The metro in Santiago is easy to use, clean, safe* and reliable \u2013 1 ticket costing about CLP$500 (60p) will take you anywhere on the lines. These can be bought from manned booths in any metro station.<\/p>\n
Take the metro nearest to your hotel to the La Moneda station on Line 1 (the red one). (When you get off the train, wait until the train leaves before leaving the platform, as the paintings are quite something). When leaving La Moneda station, take the exit for \u2018Amunategui\u2019<\/i><\/p>\n
*a reasonable level of caution should be taken at all times to prevent pick-pocketing.<\/p>\n
2. Av. Bernardo O`Higgins and the flag<\/strong><\/h2>\nAs you come out from the underground you are presented with an enormous flag (find the flag then you know you\u00b4re in the right place!). This flag was placed here in 2010 to mark the Bicentenary of the Independence of Chile from Spain (in fact 1810 really marked the start of Chile\u2019s war of independence against Spain as they didn\u00b4t gain full independence until 1818).<\/p>\n
The avenue between yourself and the flag is the \u2018Avenida Bernardo O\u2019Higgins\u2019 \u2013 commonly known as the Alameda – named after the poplar trees that line it. Bernardo O\u2019Higgins, Chile\u2019s hero of its Wars of Independence, had an Irish father and Chilean mother (hence the name).<\/p>\n
3. Palacio La Moneda<\/strong><\/h2>\nRounding the corner you will be presented with the Government Palace \u2013 Palacio La Moneda. This literally translates as \u2018The Mint\u2019 as it was originally designed for minting coins when built in 1805. In 1845 it became the government headquarters and home to all Chilean Presidents (although the President hasn\u2019t actually lived here since about the 30\u2019s). The building looks very clean and new considering the pollution problems of the city because in reality it is. During the Military Coup of 11th<\/sup> September 1973, the building was heavily bombed and much of it\u00a0destroyed. During this coup, the democratically elected President at the time, Salvador Allende was killed (or, as some sources say, took his own life) and the military dictatorship ruled by Augusto Pinochet began.<\/p>\n![\"Palacio](\"https:\/\/www.swoop-patagonia.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Palacio-La-Moneda.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
4. Plaza de la Constitution & the Statues<\/strong><\/h2>\nWalk around to the other side of La Moneda to find the Plaza de La Constitucion. <\/i><\/p>\n
Surrounded by trees and statues, this square is a great place to do a spot of people watching; also of interest are\u2026.<\/p>\n
1)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The flags:\u00a0<\/b>\u00a0If the President is in residence there will be a flag flying above the palace with the Chilean coat of arms in the middle. If you pay attention you can see the Andean Condor and Huemul, a native Chilean deer. Surrounding the square there are also 14 flags which represent the 14 regions of Chile.<\/p>\n
2)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/b>The statues:<\/b><\/p>\n\n- Salvador Allende<\/span> \u2013 complete with glasses, the statue of the ex-president shows his famous last words \u2013 \u201cTengo fe en Chile y su destino\u201d (I have faith in Chile and its destiny).
![\"OLYMPUS](\"https:\/\/www.swoop-patagonia.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Salvador-Allende-655x1024.jpg\")
<\/li>\n- Diego Portales<\/span> \u2013 at the back of the square, directly looking at the palace is Diego Portales; famous for writing the Chilean constitution in the early 1800\u2019s that lasted nearly 100 years. He was assassinated in 1837 \u2013 if you look closely at his statue, under his right eye is a bullet hole which the statue received 11th<\/sup> September 1973; this is apparently the exact place where he received the shot when he was killed.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
5. Wandering to the Plaza de Armas<\/strong><\/h2>\nWith your back to La Moneda, walk to the far right hand corner of the park (the corner of Agustinas & Morande). Continue along Morande for 3 blocks until the corner with Catedral, turn right 1 block on Catedral and you will reach the Plaza de Armas.<\/i><\/p>\n
To point out along the way:<\/p>\n
1)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Caf\u00e9 Haiti<\/span> \u2013 traditionally Chile was (and still is) a great tea-drinking nation. When coffee started to be introduced in the mid 1900\u2019s a new form of caf\u00e9 was thought up in order to entice people (men) to drink it; these were known as the \u201cCaf\u00e9s con Piernas\u201d, quite literally Coffee with Legs. Whilst city men came to have this new drink on their coffee break and discuss business they were served coffee by ladies in rather short dresses. Many of these cafes still exist around the city (of varying levels of nudity), the Caf\u00e9 Haiti being one on Morande\/Huerfanos.<\/p>\n2)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (Ex) Palacio de Tribunales<\/span> \u2013 although no longer the Palace of Justice this impressive building, recently restored, stands proud in the centre of Santiago. Around the top of the building you can see crests depicting important Chilean laws \u2013 one to note would be divorce, not legalized in Chile until 2004.<\/p>\n3)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Shopping Centre<\/span> \u2013 with the law court on your right, step inside the shopping centre on your left, a complete contrast of old a<\/p>\nnd new. Take note of the interesting use of an old fa\u00e7ade with a modern interior.<\/p>\n
4)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (Ex) Congreso Nacional<\/span> \u2013 although the Chilean congress is now in Valparaiso, the original Congress building takes up 1 whole block (Mornade\/Compania\/Bandera\/Catedral). Unfortunately you can\u2019t get into the grounds but the gardens are beautiful with native trees from all over Chile.<\/p>\n6. Plaza de Armas<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe Plaza de Armas was first laid out during the founding of Santiago on 12th<\/sup> February 1541 by Pedro de Valdivia and has stood as the centre of the city ever since. During colonial times it served as the military headquarters, into the 1800\u2019s it was the place for the upper classes to see and be seen, and today it serves as a place for protests, chess, religious preaching or for children to swim in the fountain; a hive of activity and definitely worth some time to just sit and take it all in.<\/p>\n![\"OLYMPUS](\"https:\/\/www.swoop-patagonia.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Plaza-de-Armas-1024x766.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
To point out as you sit and watch:<\/p>\n
1)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Pedro de Valdiva<\/span> \u2013 in the top corner of the square is the statue of Pedro de Valdivia, Chile\u2019s own conquistador. After a failed attempt by Diego del Almagro to reach the Chilean central valley, Pedro de Valdivia set out from Peru with is troops. After walking through the Atacama Desert for months on end, they finally reach the green, lush Maipo Valley where they decided to found Santiago at the base of the Cerro Santa Lucia.<\/p>\n2)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Cathedral<\/span> \u2013 designed by the same architect as La Moneda, Joaquin Toesca, this cathedral was first built in 1748. (free entry).<\/p>\n![\"OLYMPUS](\"https:\/\/www.swoop-patagonia.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/The-Cathedral-766x1024.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
3)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 National History Museum<\/span> \u2013\u00a0 built in 1808, this building first served as the head quarters for the Spanish Court, in 1811 it became the National Congress and later the central post office; since 1978 it has housed the National History Museum since 1978, built in 1808 it first served (10:00 \u2013 18:00; Tues-Sun; CLP$600)<\/p>\n7. Mercado Central<\/strong><\/h2>\nFrom the corner of the Plaza de Armas by the Cathedral, walk 3 blocks along Puente \u2013 be especially careful of cameras and your bags.<\/i><\/p>\n
Built in 1872 as the central market, this British structure now houses solely the fish market and plenty of fish restaurants. It is alive with life, music and fresh seafood. This market was chosen as the 5th<\/sup> best market in the world by National Geographic: https:\/\/travel.nationalgeographic.com\/travel\/top-10\/food-markets\/<\/p>\n8. Cerro Santa Lucia<\/strong><\/h2>\nFrom the Mercado Central, retrace your steps back to the Plaza de Armas, cross it diagonally to get to the corner of Estado with Merced. Walk down Estado for 2 blocks and then turn left onto\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n
Agustinas for 3 \u00bd blocks until you reach the base of the Santa Lucia Hill. Follow the path in \u2013 you\u2019ll have to sign your name but the entry is free. As you go under the footbridge there is a staircase on your left \u2013 follow the stairs to the top.<\/i><\/p>\n
![\"View](\"https:\/\/www.swoop-patagonia.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/View-from-Cerro-Santa-Lucia.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
When Benjamin Vicuna Mackena became Mayor in 1872, he set about to make major changes to the city of Santiago. He not only oversaw the canalization of the Mapocho river (the fast flowing brown trickle that runs through the city), but also transformed the Cerro Santa Lucia into the landscaped park that you see today;\u00a0more than 1,000 trees were planted, and gardens and fountains built. The hill has the remains of an old fort on the top from which you get some great views of the city.<\/p>\n
Stop off at the kiosk on your way back down, for a refreshing \u201cMote con Huesillo\u201d \u2013 a traditional drink made of peach juice, peaches and pearl barley.<\/p>\n
Follow the path back down through\u00a0<\/i>the park to get to the Neptune fountain and the other exit to the park (you don\u2019t have to sign out). Turning right, you will see the Santa Lucia metro stop which you can hop on to take you back to where you started.<\/i><\/p>\n
This tour will take you 3-4 hours (longer if you stop for lunch at the Mercado Central)<\/i><\/p>\n9. Do you have more time? My other top suggestions would be:<\/strong><\/h2>\n-Lastarria Nieghbourhood<\/b><\/p>\n
Located at the foot of the Cerro Santa Lucia this neighborhood has been revitalized by artists who have restored buildings, quaint little bars opening and some new boutique hotels. For a great wine bar, check out \u201cBoca Nariz Vino Bar\u201d \u2013 more than 35 Chilean wines by the glass and a selection of up to 300 by the bottle.<\/p>\n
-Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino<\/b> (Chilean Pre-Columbian Art Musuem)<\/p>\n
An amazing introduction into the indigenous cultures of Latin America from Mexico down to Tierra del Fuego. Inaugurated in 1881 and recently restored, this museum is famous in Latin America and located just 1 block from the Plaza de Armas. (10:00 \u2013 18:00; Tues \u2013 Sun; CLP$3,900)<\/p>\n
-Cerro San Cristobal & the Bellavista neighborhood<\/b><\/p>\n
Between the Mapocho river and the San Cristobal hill is the bohemian district of Bellavista where you\u2019ll find a mix students, artist, the after-work crowd and tourist all enjoying the delights of live music, street side cafes and local art. There are plenty of bars and restaurants but a few of my top picks would be, \u201cComo Agua Para Chocolate\u201d \u2013 great for steaks and fish dishes, and \u201cGalindo\u201d \u2013 great for reasonably priced local food, local beers and plenty of locals.<\/p>\n
![\"OLYMPUS](\"https:\/\/www.swoop-patagonia.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/CityMapocho-river-1024x938.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
At the end of Pio Nono you will find the start of the San Cristobal hill and the funicular station to take you up to the top. Exiting the funicular you will have to climb a few stair to get you up to the 14m-high statue of the Virgin with incredible views of the city of Santiago, the Coastal mountains and the snow peaks of the Andes.<\/p>\n
![\"OLYMPUS](\"https:\/\/www.swoop-patagonia.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Virgin-987x1024.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
![\"View](\"https:\/\/www.swoop-patagonia.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/View-from-Cerro-San-Cristobal.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Spending the night in Santiago?<\/strong> Read Sally’s top tips on Where to Stay<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Rounding the corner you will be presented with the Government Palace \u2013 Palacio La Moneda. This literally translates as \u2018The Mint\u2019 as it was originally designed for minting coins when built in 1805. In 1845 it became the government headquarters and home to all Chilean Presidents (although the President hasn\u2019t actually lived here since about the 30\u2019s). The building looks very clean and new considering the pollution problems of the city because in reality it is. During the Military Coup of 11th<\/sup> September 1973, the building was heavily bombed and much of it\u00a0destroyed. During this coup, the democratically elected President at the time, Salvador Allende was killed (or, as some sources say, took his own life) and the military dictatorship ruled by Augusto Pinochet began.<\/p>\n Walk around to the other side of La Moneda to find the Plaza de La Constitucion. <\/i><\/p>\n Surrounded by trees and statues, this square is a great place to do a spot of people watching; also of interest are\u2026.<\/p>\n 1)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The flags:\u00a0<\/b>\u00a0If the President is in residence there will be a flag flying above the palace with the Chilean coat of arms in the middle. If you pay attention you can see the Andean Condor and Huemul, a native Chilean deer. Surrounding the square there are also 14 flags which represent the 14 regions of Chile.<\/p>\n 2)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/b>The statues:<\/b><\/p>\n With your back to La Moneda, walk to the far right hand corner of the park (the corner of Agustinas & Morande). Continue along Morande for 3 blocks until the corner with Catedral, turn right 1 block on Catedral and you will reach the Plaza de Armas.<\/i><\/p>\n To point out along the way:<\/p>\n 1)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Caf\u00e9 Haiti<\/span> \u2013 traditionally Chile was (and still is) a great tea-drinking nation. When coffee started to be introduced in the mid 1900\u2019s a new form of caf\u00e9 was thought up in order to entice people (men) to drink it; these were known as the \u201cCaf\u00e9s con Piernas\u201d, quite literally Coffee with Legs. Whilst city men came to have this new drink on their coffee break and discuss business they were served coffee by ladies in rather short dresses. Many of these cafes still exist around the city (of varying levels of nudity), the Caf\u00e9 Haiti being one on Morande\/Huerfanos.<\/p>\n 2)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (Ex) Palacio de Tribunales<\/span> \u2013 although no longer the Palace of Justice this impressive building, recently restored, stands proud in the centre of Santiago. Around the top of the building you can see crests depicting important Chilean laws \u2013 one to note would be divorce, not legalized in Chile until 2004.<\/p>\n 3)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Shopping Centre<\/span> \u2013 with the law court on your right, step inside the shopping centre on your left, a complete contrast of old a<\/p>\n nd new. Take note of the interesting use of an old fa\u00e7ade with a modern interior.<\/p>\n 4)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (Ex) Congreso Nacional<\/span> \u2013 although the Chilean congress is now in Valparaiso, the original Congress building takes up 1 whole block (Mornade\/Compania\/Bandera\/Catedral). Unfortunately you can\u2019t get into the grounds but the gardens are beautiful with native trees from all over Chile.<\/p>\n The Plaza de Armas was first laid out during the founding of Santiago on 12th<\/sup> February 1541 by Pedro de Valdivia and has stood as the centre of the city ever since. During colonial times it served as the military headquarters, into the 1800\u2019s it was the place for the upper classes to see and be seen, and today it serves as a place for protests, chess, religious preaching or for children to swim in the fountain; a hive of activity and definitely worth some time to just sit and take it all in.<\/p>\n To point out as you sit and watch:<\/p>\n 1)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Pedro de Valdiva<\/span> \u2013 in the top corner of the square is the statue of Pedro de Valdivia, Chile\u2019s own conquistador. After a failed attempt by Diego del Almagro to reach the Chilean central valley, Pedro de Valdivia set out from Peru with is troops. After walking through the Atacama Desert for months on end, they finally reach the green, lush Maipo Valley where they decided to found Santiago at the base of the Cerro Santa Lucia.<\/p>\n 2)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Cathedral<\/span> \u2013 designed by the same architect as La Moneda, Joaquin Toesca, this cathedral was first built in 1748. (free entry).<\/p>\n 3)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 National History Museum<\/span> \u2013\u00a0 built in 1808, this building first served as the head quarters for the Spanish Court, in 1811 it became the National Congress and later the central post office; since 1978 it has housed the National History Museum since 1978, built in 1808 it first served (10:00 \u2013 18:00; Tues-Sun; CLP$600)<\/p>\n From the corner of the Plaza de Armas by the Cathedral, walk 3 blocks along Puente \u2013 be especially careful of cameras and your bags.<\/i><\/p>\n Built in 1872 as the central market, this British structure now houses solely the fish market and plenty of fish restaurants. It is alive with life, music and fresh seafood. This market was chosen as the 5th<\/sup> best market in the world by National Geographic: https:\/\/travel.nationalgeographic.com\/travel\/top-10\/food-markets\/<\/p>\n From the Mercado Central, retrace your steps back to the Plaza de Armas, cross it diagonally to get to the corner of Estado with Merced. Walk down Estado for 2 blocks and then turn left onto\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n Agustinas for 3 \u00bd blocks until you reach the base of the Santa Lucia Hill. Follow the path in \u2013 you\u2019ll have to sign your name but the entry is free. As you go under the footbridge there is a staircase on your left \u2013 follow the stairs to the top.<\/i><\/p>\n When Benjamin Vicuna Mackena became Mayor in 1872, he set about to make major changes to the city of Santiago. He not only oversaw the canalization of the Mapocho river (the fast flowing brown trickle that runs through the city), but also transformed the Cerro Santa Lucia into the landscaped park that you see today;\u00a0more than 1,000 trees were planted, and gardens and fountains built. The hill has the remains of an old fort on the top from which you get some great views of the city.<\/p>\n Stop off at the kiosk on your way back down, for a refreshing \u201cMote con Huesillo\u201d \u2013 a traditional drink made of peach juice, peaches and pearl barley.<\/p>\n Follow the path back down through\u00a0<\/i>the park to get to the Neptune fountain and the other exit to the park (you don\u2019t have to sign out). Turning right, you will see the Santa Lucia metro stop which you can hop on to take you back to where you started.<\/i><\/p>\n This tour will take you 3-4 hours (longer if you stop for lunch at the Mercado Central)<\/i><\/p>\n -Lastarria Nieghbourhood<\/b><\/p>\n Located at the foot of the Cerro Santa Lucia this neighborhood has been revitalized by artists who have restored buildings, quaint little bars opening and some new boutique hotels. For a great wine bar, check out \u201cBoca Nariz Vino Bar\u201d \u2013 more than 35 Chilean wines by the glass and a selection of up to 300 by the bottle.<\/p>\n -Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino<\/b> (Chilean Pre-Columbian Art Musuem)<\/p>\n An amazing introduction into the indigenous cultures of Latin America from Mexico down to Tierra del Fuego. Inaugurated in 1881 and recently restored, this museum is famous in Latin America and located just 1 block from the Plaza de Armas. (10:00 \u2013 18:00; Tues \u2013 Sun; CLP$3,900)<\/p>\n -Cerro San Cristobal & the Bellavista neighborhood<\/b><\/p>\n Between the Mapocho river and the San Cristobal hill is the bohemian district of Bellavista where you\u2019ll find a mix students, artist, the after-work crowd and tourist all enjoying the delights of live music, street side cafes and local art. There are plenty of bars and restaurants but a few of my top picks would be, \u201cComo Agua Para Chocolate\u201d \u2013 great for steaks and fish dishes, and \u201cGalindo\u201d \u2013 great for reasonably priced local food, local beers and plenty of locals.<\/p>\n At the end of Pio Nono you will find the start of the San Cristobal hill and the funicular station to take you up to the top. Exiting the funicular you will have to climb a few stair to get you up to the 14m-high statue of the Virgin with incredible views of the city of Santiago, the Coastal mountains and the snow peaks of the Andes.<\/p>\n Spending the night in Santiago?<\/strong> Read Sally’s top tips on Where to Stay<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n4. Plaza de la Constitution & the Statues<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n
<\/li>\n5. Wandering to the Plaza de Armas<\/strong><\/h2>\n
6. Plaza de Armas<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n7. Mercado Central<\/strong><\/h2>\n
8. Cerro Santa Lucia<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n9. Do you have more time? My other top suggestions would be:<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n